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The group returned to the scene and were caught by officers in another police car.

A map in the British Transport Police Cambridge office, showing the area covered by officers (Image: Trinity Mirror)

We arrived to assist and they were given a dispersal order to leave the area.

Incidents dealt with on a daily basis by the BTP team include bike theft – especially at Cambridge Station and Cambridge North – as well as mental health incidents and missing people who could be suicidal.

There are normally two BTP officers in during the early shift – and another two on the later shift, spanning 5pm until roughly 1am the following morning.

While out on patrol with Sgt Bartlett, we visit Cambridge North – where I’m told bike theft is an ongoing problem.

On the night of our patrol BTP held a bike tagging event, where cyclists could get their bike marked and logged for free in the National Cycle database – and also receive a high quality D-lock to deter thieves.

We also visit Cambridge station and the new Cyclepoint – where actively monitoring CCTV and responding to any incidents is also a large part of officers’ day-to-day jobs.

'It could be anything, from making a good arrest to stopping someone from committing suicide'

When I asked Sergeant Steve Bartlett what motivates him to be a British Transport Police officer, there’s a smile on his face when he tells me that he knows the job better than anything else.

He says: “I spent 31 years in the London Metropolitan police – this is what I know how to do best.

“It’s also what I enjoy doing, it’s the reward factor at the end of the day – the fact you get to help somebody.

British Transport Police make regular checks at Cambridge North Station

“It could be anything, from making a good arrest to stopping someone from committing suicide.

"People come up to us as well during our day-to-day duties, and you can really tell they value us being here.

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